Plant the cole crops and other greens by transplants now. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Swiss chard, collards, are among those available at area nurseries.

If the birds are damaging your ripe tomatoes on the vine, try harvesting the fruit early, as soon as it shows a color change from green.  They will ripen in the house.

Autumn is the best time to plant shade trees. Dig the hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Check out the CPS shade tree rebate on their website to receive $50 towards the cost of the tree if it is a recommended variety and planted to shade the house.

Obtain one or more firebush in containers to attract migrating hummingbirds to the sunny patio this fall. For the shade look for firespike or penta.

Written by Calvin Finch
Dr. Calvin Finch is the retired Urban Water Program Director for the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.You can ask Calvin question and hear his answers on the air as he co-hosts the Gardening South Texas on the air at KLUP (AM 930) Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00pm.